“To someone who hasn’t attended, I would describe the conference as a springboard for action, whether you are just starting out or have been going at it for many years. The knowledge of the speakers and leaders, combined with the energy of the attendees, will ignite/re-ignite your passion for your craft and then show you how to use that fire to showcase it to the world. The conference presents you with valuable insight that you can take home and immediately put into action.”
Sheila Hart, freelance copywriter

“Have the confidence to take charge of your business. Take charge of your time, your money, your contracts, your proposals, your presentations, your clients, your projects and your life.

Top to bottom, inside out, upside down fabulous crazy and perfect for solo creative professionals.”
Wendy Hurd

“CFC was the most valuable educational conference I’ve ever attended. There were several times during the conference where I literally thought, ‘I just got my money’s worth.’
If there is something a creative solopreneur wants to learn about business the answers are at CFC. The format allows you to tailor your experience to fit your individual needs. There are many opportunities and many qualified sources of knowledge and expertise to take advantage of while you are there. And you leave with a truckload of tools and resources to continue with. Every detail of CFC was well planned and executed to provide maximum education and convenience for attendees. There was a great mix of talent, both presenting and attending. And all seem to have left their egos at home.”
Paula Dulan Estes, Petalos di Pauli

“Gave me a kick-in-the butt to get my marketing plan into action. It’s a great (an extremely affordable) way to get fired up about your business again!”   
Mary Jo Thomas

“First of all, thanks so much for everything at CFC. I had an amazing time and it was so well worth the time and effort and money!

I left feeling inspired and motivated. I left with a plan to put my name out there and keep getting business. I left with awesome contacts and so many new friends and people to bounce ideas off of and make me feel like I wasn't alone. But most of all, I left with a sense that the solo life truly was possible, especially after seeing so many people who had been doing this for decades.

I'm not only planning for my business for the rest of this year, but already budgeting for next year's conference too. Can't wait.

Thanks so much!”
Jenn de la Fuente, Rosebud Designs

“I would describe the conference as great for newbies but good for people in business for several years as well.”
Carol Boughter

“Free sharing of ideas: people we happy to brainstorm about ideas—their own as well as yours.

And lastly, I have been blogging about what I learned at CFC: http://lsvdesign.wordpress.com/
I'm planning to do a short post each day—for as long as I can keep it up!”
Lidia Varesco

“Before marketing was something on my to-do list. Now I see that I won’t have a to-do list unless I market my biz.”
Tim Read

“A great motivational event geared towards the business of design. The event is valuable for anyone starting a freelance business as well as anyone who has been on their own for a while. The conference provides good information and tips on how to position yourself as a business leader. I think if you are a solo designer you probably have a good grasp on the creative, it's the business issues that we can use some updating and reminding of.”
Lisa Sarkees

“I would summarize my experience at CFC with three words: inspiring, motivating and informative!

Having such a concentrated time period of helpful tips and information, really pushed me into thinking about how I handle aspects of my business that I would normally have not had time to consider when dealing with clients regularly.

I would describe the conference as a great place to find not only specific information to help you with your business side, but a place to get inspired, motivated and connected with people of like minds. You have to go at least once to experience it, and as Ilise and Peleg mentioned, you should plan to save for it in your annual budget.”
Colleen Rice Nelson

“The Creative Freelancer Conference not only educates and inspires you to be a better freelancer, but it gives you an opportunity to connect with your peers and realize that instead of competitors, we are actually here to support each other.”
Megan Coleman

“Just wanted to say that the conference was wonderful in every sense. I think that staying at the hotel made it a lot more personal and serious for me. The first night at the conference, I had gotten my money's worth. I loved the energy in the room and the energy of the speakers who were there to lend us their knowledge of this business we all chose to be in.”
Iren Tsaturyan

“How would you describe this conference to someone who hasn't attended? As a highly efficient, cost-effective way to gain a treasure trove of information, resources, contacts, tips, ‘how-to's, inspiration and encouragement for creative solopreneurs.”
 Barby Grant

“As someone who is transitioning into freelancing fulltime, I was overwhelmingly inspired by the openness and support of my peers at the Creative Freelancer Conference, as well as the insight and expertise that was offered by the speakers (both on-stage and off). I left the conference with a stronger network of colleagues, an actionable game plan for my marketing, and an understanding of how to approach pricing without just taking a stab in the dark. I'm excited to return to the conference next year to reconnect with the people I met and continue learning how to make my business profitable and enjoyable." 
Kendall Hopwood

“How would I summarize my experience at CFC? In one word...Awesome!!! I got so much more helpful information out of it than I even hoped for. Thank you again. I have no words for the hope and direction I feel I now have and the help you and the conference gave me.”
Dianne Rohkohl

“Those two days were likely the most productive I've experienced in many years, prompting me to look at my business in a whole new way. I've already started implementing several of the ideas I gleaned last week, and I'm looking forward to implementing the remainder of the ideas over the next few months and years. And, I left with a Tribe. All in all, I have to say that I got so much more than I expected I would in such a short time. Well done, and worth every penny.”
Stephen Hadley, Inkspot Creative

“Thanks for putting on another fine conference. It was very informative, just like last year.”
Laura Foley Design

Feedback from 2008 Creative Freelancer Conference attendees:

 Audio:

Susan

Brad

Patty

"Inspiring. Invigorating. Challenging. Uplifting. Educational. Connecting.
 
Just a few of the words that come to mind as I reflect on my experience at this first-ever Creative Freelancer Conference. I have come away with so many wonderful ideas, to improve my business and myself. I've been inspired to truly follow my passion, and focus in on the work I really want. It's actually quite liberating to think that it's OK to do only the work I love. So much of this was just the kick in the pants I needed to really get my business on track. Some things I knew, others I didn't...but even if nothing new is said - to hear it from a new face, in a new place sometimes is just the thing you need to have it all make sense. And the connections made between colleagues are priceless."
Heather Lapham Kuhn, Concept Design Studio in Indiana

"It was awesome! This is the first creative conference I’ve been to where the speakers were willing to talk about the real stuff everyone wants to know more about: pricing, marketing strategies, finding clients. I learned, I laughed and I met a new ‘tribe’ of creative accomplices that I ran all over the city with (mmm... octopus tapas!)! Good times and sooo worth the money!"
Velvette De Laney, Dew Drop Studios

"Thanks!! What a great conference!!! Could you please arrange one every month!!! I attend 2-3 different conferences every year and I can't remember ever leaving with this much inspiration. I've already used your proposal techniques with great success!! I'll be back next year!"
Michael Schmidt, eSuiteOne, LLC

"Another awesome HOW Conference! I've been considering going freelance for quite some time and I feel confident and inspired by what I've learned at the conference as well as the wonderful people I've met that I can achieve my dream of turning my 'i' from 'in-howser' to 'independent.'"
Nicholas Nawroth

"I can't tell you enough how much the conference has changed my life. Thank you for brainstorming that conference up!"
Kelly Book

"The conference was the rejuvenation and guidance I was lacking while on my own. I became unmotivated and didn't know what I was supposed to do next. No one I could ask. No one I could complain to. No one who would understand what I was going through. Or so I thought. In comes the CFC to sweep me off my feet! I met many great creatives and learned some tools and strategies  to get me where I want to go. Thanks to everyone at the CFC for this 'kick in the pants!' I really needed it."
Jenn Denick, Blue Star Creative

"The hardest part of being a freelancer is juggling the marketing, networking, estimating, proposal-writing and other aspects of running a business with doing the actual work. This conference taught me the right way to do those things, so they take less time and yield better results."
Betsy Smith, copywriter

"I just wanted to thank you all for an outstanding first ever Creative Freelancer Conference!! Attending the conference was a much-needed boost for my business and, more importantly, helped me remember why I love to do what I do. I felt again like I did way (way) back in school."
Jody Shyllberg, JS Graphics, Inc.

"From the bottom of my heart — thank you! The Creative Freelancer Conference was one of the best things I have ever done for myself and now for my business. I really appreciated your insight during the breakfast roundtable discussion of 'e-newsletters.' I am crafting one now as we speak and can’t wait to share it with my clients (with their permission of course). I just finished my first blog entry for my new business and think it’s not only going to be a solid creative outlet for me, but a valuable resource for my clients. Thanks can’t begin to say it, but thanks for your help, encouraging words and enthusiasm. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you and the crew next year at the 2nd annual Creative Freelancer Conference!"
Sarah Daly, owner/copywriter, Dog-Eared Pages

"Just a quick note to say thanks for all you did to make the Creative Freelance Conference such a success. I had a ten-hour drive on Friday to let all the information soak in. Needless to say I had plenty of time to deflate and sort out all the amazing information presented during the week. This was my first conference of its kind and I look forward to future conferences with HOW magazine.

In October I left my fulltime job of head of a design department for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage along with a great salary and amazing insurance to pursue my dream of becoming a fulltime Freelance Illustrator. The environment I had become used to in corporate America had turned toxic and political and was affecting all the good things in my life. I had to leave for the health of my marriage, my career and most of all to save my soul. I was putting off my dream for the price of a weekly paycheck. So, I wrote a nifty business plan, bought a bunch of cool stuff for my office and went to work one day and quit. No more pushing that pesky stagecoach around in Quark.

It’s been rocky and I have learned a lot along the way. But, it was the best decision I have made in a long time. The Creative Freelance Conference has given me a new perspective on my career, abilities and the whole design community. I was amazed by the instant camaraderie amongst the entire group. I was expecting heavy dose of ego and attitude commonly found amongst such a large group of artists. Instead I found people from all over the world ready and willing to share their story, processes and successes.

In conclusion I was floored! Your enthusiasm, energy and encouragement will not be forgotten. The advice and suggestions from all the wonderful speakers and vendors was well worth the trip.
Thank you all. You ROCK!"
Tim Read, principal/illustrator/graphic designer, 5 Fingers Creative

"I learned far more than I expected at CFC, two of the most important things:
1. Networking with other designers, whom you would think are your competition, is one of the smartest ways to grow your business. We can't do it all on our own, nor are any of us out to have a monopoly on the design market. By referring projects to each other based on expertise, availability or simply being a better fit for the client, we all win.
2. You're worth it. Don't be afraid to give people a number and stick to it. If they can't afford it, use number 1 up there and find someone they can, or they'll see the value in your work and pay for it. If you've got the goods to back up your prices, you'll get the work you're supposed to get. I'm living that more and more day to day.

My business went from borderline bankruptcy to actually making money. While I'm breaking even and not turning a significant profit, I now have more work than I can handle at a given time and am project managing other designers to offset some of my workload. It's a good problem to have.

If I had not attended CFC, I would still be wandering around aimlessly at community networking events looking for the next pet groomer website project. Thanks to the CFC, I learned a lot about pricing right, timing my projects, and building a marketing machine that allows me to network smarter and get my work done more efficiently, allowing me to grow as a designer and avoid producing 'fast food design.'

Looking forward to coming back this year!"
Brad Weaver, Creative Director, Omma Creative, Inc.

"The HOW Creative Freelancer Conference was beyond valuable to my business. First, I developed a process as well as contracts for all new clients. I also require a deposit. Now I don’t feel like I’m wasting so much time collecting fees. I’ve also established a rate for certain projects. Now there’s a figure in my head that allows me to know up front whether it’s worth it or not to take on work.

I’ve changed the tone of my website. I also list up front companies that I’ve worked with. (Ilise’s consultation had me reworking my website in tone and that was huge.) Although I am not showing any of the work because I did that while working for another company, I can use the names. This gives me a lot of clout when seeking larger clients.

I designate time to market myself. It’s ongoing and constant. I’m part of a networking group as well as a member of the local chamber of commerce. I have materials to promote my business from the thank-yous for various meetings as well as what I send to referrals. The handwritten note goes so far. Thank you, Peleg, for that recommendation.

I can’t imagine what I would be doing if I had not gone to the conference. The timing was perfect. I had just left my job a couple of months beforehand. I’m sure I would be charging less and spending more time getting people to pay their bills. Not something I would enjoy."
Susan Fireside, creative director, winter and construction - a Chicago design studio

"CFC helped my business greatly in the last year. After attending the conference, I began sending monthly e-newsletters to my clients, prospects and people I network with. I also set up a blog, which I update regularly with content that establishes me as an expert in my field. The effect of these two marketing tools is that people are keeping me top of mind, and I am getting more referrals and repeat business. I am continuing to expand my use of social networking, through Twitter and LinkedIn, as well.

Another step I took after attending the conference was to make networking a priority, attending regular events for the people I want to reach the most. I am now the go-to person when someone thinks of marketing and graphic design within my networking groups.

CFC gave me a foundation for moving forward as a business owner. I'm quite satisfied that I made the investment to attend."
Katrina Hase, mix creative